In this episode of Bred to Perfection, hosted by Kenny Troiano along with his wife Nancy and co-host Frank Bradley, the team continues their discussion on selection factors in breeding chickens and gamefowl. They talk about monogenic, polygenic, phenotype, genotype, epigenetic, and mitochondrial DNA factors from the previous episode, and introduce the evolutionary factor. The episode covers natural versus artificial selection, genetic drift, gene flow mutation, environmental influence, meiosis, and variation. The team emphasizes the importance of selective breeding, avoiding defects, and the role of hybrid vigor. They also touch upon the significance of understanding and applying epigenetic principles to improve and maintain breed quality over generations.
PODCAST SHOW
Ep288 – What Can Go Wrong, Does Go Wrong
Kenny Troiano and his wife Nancy host a chaotic Friday night episode after audio/tech problems, shifting to a Q&A and announcements. Kenny previews upcoming guests: Mike Sayers (M&M Exhibition Poultry Podcast and President of the American Bantam Association) on industry standards and getting American Games into the APA Standard, plus Tony Saville, Kenny’s mentor, joining live to debate topics like breed standards, inbreeding, and white in wings/tails; other planned guests include Douglas Bruce, Jeff Duguay, and Jane Cowan (The Chuck Journal Podcast). Kenny notes he’s writing for the new magazine “Gamefowl Times.” In Q&A he argues nutrition supports health, but doesn’t change genetics, warns against unnecessary supplements and layer feeds, recommends Nutrena All Flock, discusses sex-linked traits generally, explains inheritance of leg color, factors affecting broodiness, and details concerns about recessive/progressive white causing weakness and reproduction issues, along with challenges preserving true Silver Duckwing color through correct hen selection.
Ep287 – The Crucial Role of Selection in Breeding Success
In this episode of ‘Bred to Perfection,’ host Kenny Troiano, along with his wife Nancy and co-host Frank Bradley, discuss the critical role of selection in the breeding process. They emphasize the importance of selecting birds based on both inner and outer qualities to improve and maintain strains, and caution against breeding birds with poor qualities. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding monogenic (single-gene) and polygenic (multi-gene) traits, phenotypes (observable traits), and genotypes (genetic makeup) in poultry breeding. They also touch on epigenetics, noting that environmental factors play a role in trait expression. The episode underscores the importance of patience, good nutrition, and proper management for successful breeding and disease resistance, questioning the reliance on medications. The hosts encourage thoughtful selection to create superior, lasting poultry strains.
Ep286 – Unlocking the Secrets of Chicken Breeding with Brian Reeder
In this episode of ‘Bred to Perfection,’ host Kenny Troiano, along with his wife Nancy and guest Brian Reeder, discuss various aspects of poultry breeding. Brian shares his extensive experience and contributions to the Breeders Academy, shedding light on his new YouTube channel. They cover a range of topics, including the importance of test mating, genetic resistance to diseases, and the intricacies of selective breeding for specific traits, such as color and health. Brian also emphasizes the need for inbreeding to create and maintain consistent and predictable poultry families. Additional discussions touch on the genetic aspects of color and health, with practical advice for breeders on improving their bloodlines and strains.
Ep285 – The Ugly Truth About Outcrossing: The Double-Edged Sword of Breeding
In this episode of Bred to Perfection, Kenny Troiano, along with his wife Nancy and co-host Frank Bradley, discuss the topic of outcrossing in breeding programs. They discuss what outcrossing entails, the common misconceptions associated with it, and why it’s not always the ideal method for breeders. Although outcrossing can offer benefits like hybrid vigor, faster growth rates, improved fertility, and disease resistance, these are often short-lived and cannot be passed on to future generations. They also discussed the problems with crossbreeding, issues of hybridization and mongrelization, and the importance of having two pure inbred families for maximum hybrid vigor. They answer audience questions about chick behavior, feeding, and specific breeding challenges like egg size and consistency. The episode underscores the importance of careful selection in maintaining the integrity and health of a breed.




